Whilst this magazine is themed capable ‘people’, in this article we might need to broaden our definition as we introduce Waroona’s David Lacey and his eight Border Collie working stock dogs.
Words I Peel Development Commission – Images I Dog Training WA
National and international sheepdog trialling champion and retired Waroona farmer, David Lacey, has been breeding and training working dogs for over 50 years. After retiring recently, David found himself wondering what was next and this turned into an idea. His skills and passion have now been directed to a new purpose, training the next generation of farmers and their dogs through his company Dog Training WA.
‘I have been training and selling my pups to farmers for years. From the farmer’s perspective, working dogs certainly make the best employees. They are low maintenance, always willing to work and beyond a good feed and pat, don’t require a salary. I wasn’t shocked when earlier this year there was an Australian dog that sold for $35,000. What people don’t see is how much these animals can save a farmer each and every year’. The working dog remains an asset to the farming community, and it is important that these skills are retained for future generations. The advantage of having a well-trained dog is not lost on our suburban communities either. David and his highly successful and extremely capable team are not only developing the next generation of Peel working dogs, but also helping to transforming suburban dwellers relationships with their pet and companion dogs.
‘I see a lot of dogs from French bulldogs to Labradors to Great Danes. A lack of enrichment, purpose and training can lead to behavioural problems in any dog. My clients love their dogs but are often struggling with some areas of their dog’s behaviour, like recall, jumping, pulling or anxiety. These problems have solutions, and they start with improving knowledge and implementing a proven training method. This is where I can really help people’.
Through his business Dog Training WA, David is available for working and companion dogs and says his simple and effective training methods work on any dog because they focus on training the handler just as much as the dog. Much like David, his training methods are straight forward and no fuss.
‘The program is suitable for beginners through to experienced stockman who may be having a problem with a trained dog or just want to build a stronger relationship to their dog. I offer simple, kind, gentle training for you and your dog’. It is important to David that his skills improve the quality of lives for our four-legged best friends and benefit the broader Peel community. Investment in education and training that meets industry’s workforce needs for the future is also a priority and will help farming communities continue to thrive for many generations to come.
MORE INFORMATION
Dog Training WA is based in Waroona and services a wide area.
Offering half-day private or very small group training lessons, we help people with all types of dogs and dog issues.
Visit www.dogtrainingwa.com.au and Facebook www.facebook.com/people/Dog-TrainingWA/100057261677858
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2021 edition of Peel magazine – if you haven’t already, download the latest edition of the Peel magazine here